X-ray system detects packaging contamination

08/01/2004

WALLA WALLA, Wash.—Process automation systems designer Key Technology (www.key.net) is joining forces with package inspection systems provider Peco Controls Corp. (Fremont, Calif.; www.peco.com) to form InspX, a new company that seeks to strengthen contamination control in the packaging lines of food and drug processing plants.

The new company, which will be based in Fremont, was formed to capitalize on growing interest from food and drug companies to implement processes that ensure the safety and integrity of its products. A key to the venture will be Peco's ScanTrac compact, high-performance x-ray system used to inspect packaged products for material contamination or packaging imperfections.

In addition to marketing the ScanTrac product line and incorporating Key's expertise in electro-optical inspection and sorting for food processing and industrial markets, InspX's mission includes developing new products and applications to meet growing product safety/security demands.

"This investment fits our strategy to expand our capabilities in product inspection beyond camera-based inspection, and adds a critical anchor product that will help facilitate a larger role in the packaging lines of processing plants," says Key Technology president and CEO, Kirk Morton.